Monday, October 6, 2014

Design Ideas For Your Patio

By Andrea Dreyfuss


In recent times, the outdoor spaces of homes have become more utilized, and people tend to pay more attention now to the design schemes of their patios and yards than they did in decades prior. Whatever you plan to use it for, be it relaxing in the evening or hosting outdoor events, having a great design scheme can make it more atmospheric and enjoyable for all.

For a simple, modern design, you probably want to keep the color palette confined to one or two colors, especially if your home is a lighter color. A white and gray design can be very sleek and unassuming, and contrasts nicely with the greens and browns of the yard. This design works very well for coastal homes as well.

If you are looking for something brighter, you might try opting for bold, tropical colors, such as orange and fuchsia. To make sure the color is not overwhelming, try to make sure the furniture itself is a simple color, such as white or plain wood, and use cushions or small pieces to add big splashes of color.

Other people tend to prefer a natural look, which they find to be very relaxing. Some subtle, earthy colors and natural wood and wicker pieces can go a long way to create a woodsy, natural style. If your yard is landscaped with trees and bushes, it can create an even more consistent style.

But if you really want the design to pop, you can choose bright, tropical colors. This works especially well in coastal towns. Art and plants can be used alongside brightly-colored plastic furniture to establish a tropical island theme.

Before getting your items, though, you will want to decide on what the outdoor space will be used for. If you plan on entertaining and cooking outdoors, then a barbecue and table are a must. If you plan on using it primarily as a lounging area for relaxing, you might just need some simple and comfortable outdoor seating, such as sofas or hammocks, and a fire pit. Depending on the size of the area, you might decide to mix and match, having designated areas for different activities. Some kind of umbrella, whether freestanding or mounted on a table, are always a good idea to provide shade on sunny days if you don't have an awning. You can also make your own fabric canopy if you have means to mount it.

Depending on your location, your outdoor space might require different things. For example, in a semi-rural neighborhood with wide spaces between properties, you would probably want to take advantage of the openness and views and design accordingly. But in more densely-packed urban areas, you might want to create some privacy. A wooden fence that encloses your outdoor entertaining area can help establish a sense of personal space, and in some cases, you could even add shelving and racks for barbecue items.

No matter what you choose to do with your outdoor space, just be sure to create a look that says something about your style and tastes. If you design the right way, you can infuse an outdoor space with as much personality as any room inside your home.




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